92illpony

Just picked up a 87 runner with 89 pickup engine-trans-and tcase. Driving the truck initially was great. About 800 miles into ownership the trans started grinding 3rd if you shifted normally. If you shift extremely slow it won't grind. Slave cylinder took a crap on me at 1200 miles and i replaced it and still have same problem. So 2nd started it also and if you go slow shifting 2nd and 3rd it doesn't seem to grind. Well i decided to go ahead and replace the master to check and see if that was the problem and it didn't help at all. Petal feel is different but no difference on 2nd or 3rd. Anybody have any clues as to what my problem may be? I think the trans is fine but i could be totally off base.

whelan709

it could be your synchromesh or "syncros". it is a part in your transmission between each gear which allows for both of your gears to spin at the same speed and line up before engaging. when these go, you get that grinding sound because the gears aren't lining up and engaging properly. by making a slow shift, you are allowing the gear to slow down more which makes for an easier shift and less stress on the synchos.

92dlxman

sounds like synchros. mine are bad too, learn to match rpm to desired gear. if you wanna shift faster get a lighter flywheel and dissable your dashpot. have an extra afm or two handy

if its still a dissengagement problem, you can tell by sitting neutral/idle, pushing in the clutch, waiting 5 seconds, and throwing it in reverse. if it grinds, you still have a dissengagement issue. ie air in lines, clutch-pedal bracket, etc

Mr.Utah

You probably need to adjust your clutch petal travel.

Bleed your clutch well. There is a nut above the clutch pedal on the floor board. Adjust it so it gives you more throw. Also, check the tranny oil level, this is important! after this, sorry to say pull the tranny and check your clutch and repair. If you pull, check the rear main seal. Good luck bro! No guarantee on my advice

92illpony

i adjusted the pedal throw and that helped my 3rd gear a little. 2nd is still hit and miss. I also drained the trans fluid and it was definately low. I filled it back up with gl-4.

92dlxman

try the reverse test.

92illpony

and that is?

Mr.Utah

Reverse test??

92dlxman

the one i suggested in my first post. that tells you if your clutch is completely dissengaging. those five seconds are important. manual states to wait seven seconds

TNRabbit

The FIRST thing I'd ask is have you used GL-5 or GL-4 gear oil? GL-5 is NOT the gear oil to use because it won't allow the syncros to work properly. ONLY GL-4 is recommended for these transmissions.

92illpony

ok so i've noticed that first thing in the morning the trans shifts silky smooth with no trouble. Once its warmed up 2nd and 3rd start acting up. I've found another trans so i think i'm going to go ahead and buy it and buy a new clutch.

LittleBeast

try some saw dust in the transfer case

tj884Rdlx

last time i had these symptoms, i replaced the master and slave, but it still seemed to shift bad. took it somewhere and they said they just needed to bleed it more. this may not be the same for you, but you may want to try bleeding some more, before pulling your tranny out.